The collared peccary, also known as the javelina or musk hog, is a species of pig-like mammal native to the Americas. Here’s a description of the collared peccary and its distribution:

Description of the Collared Peccary:

• Appearance: Collared peccaries have a compact, pig-like body with a coarse, bristly coat that varies in color from grayish-black to brown. They have distinctive white bands around their necks, giving them the name “collared” peccary. They have short legs with hoofed toes and a pig-like snout. Adult collared peccaries typically weigh between 16 to 27 kilograms (35 to 60 pounds) and stand about 46 to 60 centimeters (18 to 24 inches) tall at the shoulder.
• Habitat: Collared peccaries inhabit a variety of habitats, including deserts, scrublands, grasslands, and forests. They are particularly common in arid and semi-arid regions but can also be found in tropical and subtropical environments. They are adaptable animals and can thrive in diverse ecosystems, from lowland plains to mountainous terrain.
• Behavior: Collared peccaries are social animals that live in groups called “herds” or “sounders.” These groups typically consist of 5 to 20 individuals, although larger groups may occasionally form. They are primarily active during the early morning and late evening hours, resting in shaded areas during the heat of the day. Collared peccaries are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plant materials, including fruits, roots, tubers, and seeds, as well as small vertebrates and insects.
• Reproduction: Collared peccaries breed throughout the year, with peak breeding activity occurring during the rainy season in some regions. Females give birth to litters of 1 to 4 young, known as “piglets,” after a gestation period of around 145 days. Piglets are born with a striped coat pattern that fades as they mature.
• Conservation Status: Collared peccaries are not currently considered threatened or endangered, although localized declines may occur due to habitat loss, hunting, and human-wildlife conflict. They are considered a game species in some areas and are harvested for their meat and hides.

Distribution: Collared peccaries are found throughout much of Central and South America, as well as parts of the southwestern United States and Mexico. In the United States, they are primarily found in counties within the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and southern California. In Mexico, they are found in various states, including Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Nuevo León. In Central and South America, they are distributed across countries such as Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil.

Within their range, collared peccaries inhabit a variety of ecosystems, including deserts, grasslands, scrublands, and tropical forests. They are adaptable animals capable of thriving in diverse habitats and are often encountered in rural and wilderness areas where suitable vegetation and water sources are available.